Mallards use two-run 7th to sweep Wausau to conclude regular season

Madison, WI – Madison and Wausau wrapped up the regular season on Saturday night at Warner Park. An early back-and-forth contest turned into a stalemate until the Mallards took the final advantage of the game in the 7th, winning 7-6.

Donnie Scott’s Mallards jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st on a Liam Moreno two RBI single after the defense helped Madison’s starter Jake Hilton strand the bases loaded. Immediately after, the Woodchucks found the scoreboard themselves to tie the game on a wild pitch and later, a stolen base with runners on the corners which plated Mike Adair from third.

The Mallards and Woodchucks couldn’t find separation from each other through the 4th. Each team scored one run per frame including Madison’s shortstop, Jake Schaffner hitting an opposite field home run for the first of his collegiate career.

Wausau took their first lead in the top of the 6th against Dalen Banks when Dwight Allen mashed a two-run homer to climb in front, 6-5. Madison rallied against Richie LaCien after the stretch at the Duck Pond as Moreno collected his third run knocked in of the night to tie the game and a wild pitch scored Canyon Brown to take the lead.

Ross Davis’ Woodchucks threatened against Cade Hansen in the top of the 9th, loading the bases, but the freshman was able to force Adair to lineout to finish the regular season in the win column.

The Northwoods League Playoffs are slated to return to Warner Park on Sunday afternoon as Madison welcomes Green Bay in a best-of-3 series that begins in Madison for one game and the final two will take place at Capital Credit Union Park. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 4:05 P.M. CST with Madison’s Jacob Kisting (Verona, WI) likely squaring off with the Northwoods League Pitcher of the Year, Brett Sanchez.